Family speaks out to back charity’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign

Powerful campaign from the Royal Life Saving Society UK hopes to save lives this festive season

The family of an 18-year-old who is thought to have tragically drowned after a night out, have this year thrown their weight behind a major charity campaign which is set to reach more people than ever with its vital Don’t Drink and Drown message.

Louis Harris, from Dorchester, tragically lost his life after he went missing in the early hours of Sunday, 14 February, this year after a night out with his friends. He was last seen outside the Harbour Master’s Office, on Custom House Quay at 4:30am. Louis body was found four weeks later in Weymouth Harbour.

Louis’ parents, Holly and Graham Harris, are now speaking out to show their support for the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign and RLSS UK.

Holly said: “Since losing Louis, we have been horrified to discover just how many other young adults have died in similar, tragic, circumstances and it has moved me to want to do something about it.

“When intoxicated, people are in a highly vulnerable state, many young adults finding out the limits of their alcohol tolerance, and I want to warn people of the dangers. If people prepare well before they go out and plan how to get home safely before their judgement is affected, it may avoid things like this happening in the first place.

“We still don’t know exactly what happened to Louis but if I can raise awareness and support the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, it may stop another family having to experience this terrible journey.”

Louis’ parents are set to visit students at Bath Spa University and Thomas Hardye School, Dorset, where Louis attended, and present vital water safety and drowning prevention sessions.

RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign this year runs from 5 – 11 December, warning drinkers to act responsibly near water after they have been drinking – and to make sure they and their friends avoid walking home near bodies of water. Last year 20 per cent of all adult accidental drowning victims had alcohol in their bloodstream*.

Over the previous three years (2012-14) an average of 38 per cent of 18 to 21-year-old accidental drowning victims had alcohol in their bloodstream. In 2015 this increased to 67 per cent*.

“People die each year after entering the water with alcohol in their bloodstreams, either deliberately or completely by accident.

“Drinking near water can be dangerous and a deadly cocktail. Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to survive in water.

“At RLSS UK we work hard to inform and educate people of the dangers and advise the public to never go into water when you have been drinking and always take care and be aware if you are near water.

“When walking home from a night out, avoid routes that are alongside water, particularly in the darkness, and always stay with and look out for your friends.

“We are proud that more organisations than ever are backing such an important campaign and particularly thank Holly and Graham who are brave enough to share their story to possibly save the lives of others.”

An inquest into Louis Harris death is yet to take place in due course.

To watch and share the RLSS UK Don’t Drink and Drown film visit RLSS UK YouTube channel or visit RLSS UK’s Twitter or Facebook accounts to see and share its new Christmas Survival Guide.

Attendees of the IQL UK Conference on 29 June at Jurys Inn Hinckley Island will have the opportunity to complete a TA update at the event at no extra cost and 9 days before the launch– for more information and to book your place click here.